Image Credits: Imago Images
Former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah became the fourth England player to be sent off at a World Cup, following Ray Wilkins, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney.
The Bayer Leverkusen defender had delivered an otherwise composed performance at right-back before being dismissed shortly after half-time.
Quansah was shown a red card for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo, initially appearing to win the ball cleanly but with excessive force. Mexico’s bench immediately protested, sparking a brief scuffle between both sets of players.
VAR reviewed the incident and recommended referee Alireza Faghani to check the pitchside monitor, after which the red card was confirmed.
According to Sky Sports, the Football Association is considering an appeal against Quansah’s dismissal. England manager Thomas Tuchel criticised the officiating after the match, pointing to both the red card and a penalty awarded to Mexico.
No final decision has yet been made as the FA continues to review all available options after United States striker Folarin Balogun had his red card overturned following reported intervention from US President Donald Trump.
Trump is said to have asked FIFA to review Balogun’s one-match suspension after the forward was sent off for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the last 32.
Balogun had been due to miss the last-16 tie against Belgium, but FIFA instead suspended the automatic ban for 12 months.
The decision has sparked widespread criticism, including from European football authorities and England boss Thomas Tuchel, while reports suggest France are also challenging Michael Olise’s booking from their win over Paraguay.
The right-back position has been a concern for England boss Thomas Tuchel throughout the World Cup. Reece James, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Jarell Quansah and midfielder Declan Rice have all been used on the right side of defence during the tournament.
James, the first-choice right-back, has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in the second group match against Ghana, missing the games against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico.
Quansah also picked up a knock against Panama but returned to start in the win over Mexico. England now take on Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday.